loose shifter
 

My protege 5 is at 15000kms. The problem I'm having is my automatic shifter has a little play in it when it is in the "D" (Automatic mode). It just feels like the spring that makes it lock from "N" to "D" isn't as strong as it used to be. All the other gear modes lock it in nicely. The problem is slight, but annoying. Has anyone had this problem?

Loose shifter
 

I have the same issue as well. I bought a 2012 Mazda 3 2.0L with 65k miles about a year ago. The vehicle was involved in a front end accident. I spent a good amount of money to have it fixed. The neutral safety switch was broken and the shifter cable was replaced along with the whole front end. After the repair, it seemed fine. But within a couple of months I noticed that while driving at low and high speeds the “D” would just blink and disappear for a few seconds. I had to literally tap the shifter boot until it was in D again. It seemed to loose power every time that happened. I took the car to the dealer and the shifter cable was adjusted properly, but I refused to accept the recommendation to have the automatic gear shifter replaced because of the high cost. It has improved after the cable adjustment, but still continue to have the same problem. I am looking forward to have shifter replaced hoping to get rid of the problem once and for all. Hope it helps